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New info has come to light about BP's risky offshore drilling

May 14, 2018 - 4:29pm

BP’s offshore drilling project didn’t have a full risk assessment before drilling started, according to a long-time industry expert.

Dr. Robert Bea has 48 years experience in marine systems, including offshore platforms, pipelines, and floating facilities. He reviewed BP’s environmental assessment and revealed in a recent op-ed published in the National Observer on May 8 that the “risks of accidents and malfunctions” have not been properly assessed, documented and validated by BP.”

Dr. Bea said he felt “déjà vu” reviewing BP’s documents, having reviewed a similar drilling plan the oil company submitted in Australia. In that case, Dr. Bea and others scrutinized the proposal and determined the short and long-term environmental risks of the drilling had been significantly underestimated.

Right now BP is drilling near Sable Island National Park Reserve, putting this treasured place, Nova Scotia’s multibillion-dollar fisheries and tourism industries – which drives the province’s economy and provides people with good, sustainable jobs – and marine life at risk.

The government has a responsibility to halt BP’s drilling in Nova Scotia’s offshore, and properly reassess the real dangers that come along with this project.